In recent years, the telehandler industry has witnessed a significant emphasis on weight, ranging from heavy-duty machines with massive capacities to compact devices with lower weight limits. However, manufacturers are now shifting their focus toward power and green energy solutions. One prominent example of this trend is the introduction of electric telehandlers, which offer similar performance to their diesel-powered counterparts while operating quietly and reducing environmental impact.
JCB’s 505-20E All-Electric Telehandler
JCB, a leading manufacturer in the industry, made headlines in the November of the year 2020 by unveiling the 505-20E telehandler. This compact electric telehandler maintains a lift capacity of 5,500 lbs, matching its diesel-powered sibling in terms of performance. The key distinction lies in its power source, which utilizes a lithium-ion battery and two electric drive motors.
Advantages of Electric Energy
The use of electric energy provides several advantages for the 505-20E telehandler. Its ability to operate in low-noise environments, such as schools or hazardous areas, where diesel-powered equipment would be unsuitable, is a significant benefit. Plus, the hydraulic system of the 505-20E is powered by a second electric motor, which also drives the vehicle’s driveline. The permanent four-wheel drive dropbox directs the traction motor to the JCB drive/steer axles, while a 30-hp hydraulic system motor drives a fixed displacement gear pump with a maximum flow rate of 21 GPM.
Efficiency and Regenerative Features
The 505-20E telehandler achieves full-shift operation through its 96V lithium-ion battery. Notably, regenerative braking is employed by the traction drive motor, which helps replenish the battery during braking. The hydraulic system also benefits from regenerative flow while lowering the boom, enabling extended working hours with less power consumption. Once the battery is fully charged, the brake re-gen function automatically shuts off.
Charging and Specifications
To facilitate convenient charging, the 505-20E is equipped with an onboard 240V, 16A charger, capable of fully recharging the battery in 8-10 hours. Importantly, despite its transition to electric power, the telehandler retains its maximum lift capacity of 5,500 pounds. The machine’s dimensions, including a 12-foot, 1-inch outside turn radius and an average height of 6 feet, 2 inches, remain unchanged.
Other Electric Telehandler Innovations
While JCB’s 505-20E is a recent addition to the electric telehandler market, other manufacturers have also introduced prototypes in previous years. Italian manufacturer Faresin debuted the full-electric 6.26 telehandler at Bauma 2019, and Manitou and Deutz collaborated to create the full-electric Manitou MT 1135 telehandler a while back. Despite these technical advancements, the primary purpose of telehandlers, which involves pick and place operations, remains unchanged. Size considerations continue to be crucial, regardless of the weight capacity. The telehandler industry’s growing trend towards electric telehandlers is mainly driven by the desire for greener and more efficient solutions. With climate change being a constant topic in the recent years, electric equipment has become more popular in general.